Juvenile Charged in Wal-Mart Fire

Posted January 18, 2008 1:27 p.m. EST

Goldsboro, N.C. — A juvenile was arrested Friday and charged with setting fire to a Wal-Mart in Goldsboro, police said.

Two employees were taken to a hospital after a late Tuesday fire in the clothing department of the store at 1002 N. Spence Ave. One employee was treated for smoke inhalation, and the other suffered chest pains.

Customers said they were forced to leave as smoke filled the store, and Wal-Mart officials estimated the damage at $300,000.

A juvenile was charged with felony burning to personal property and was taken to a detention center to await a juvenile court hearing, police said.

Investigators said they believe the fire was set as a distraction so store merchandise could be stolen.